Look what showed up here today!

[Dikman]

Interesting couple of threads here about the XV. My wife and I are considering buying one, so it's interesting to read others' thoughts/comments. (Bear in mind that we're not likely to go bush-bashing like some of you guys do).

Measurements indicate it's about the same length as my MY05 Forester, slightly narrower but has a higher overall height!! Which is a nuisance, as we can't take our Forester on the train to Sydney or Melbourne because it's slightly over-height and this thing is no better. Luggage capacity is less, due to the body shape and the spare wheel size. I, too, noticed the windows now have frames, the salesman said it's to meet the ANCAP safety requirements. Pity.
I actually like the oil filter mounting, at least oil can't run down my arm when I change it!!!
Looking at the models, the "L" seems to me to be the best choice overall. Satnav doesn't bother me much, but the larger screen is better for the rear-view camera (better for my wife) and at least I would still have a sunroof, although I will miss the huge one in the Forester. The L has fabric seats, but I have leather seats at the moment, and am in no hurry to get them again! And I can certainly go without the drilled alloy pedals in the "S"!!!!!!

The only thing I'm uncertain about is the auto. I know nothing (yet) about the SVT auto, but I do not want a manual. Guess I'm going to have to do a bit more research.

I had a good poke around in one at the showroom, and in general I would say that the quality looks pretty good (one reviewer said that the doors were "thinner" and not as solid, but they seemed ok to me and shut quite firmly). And at least the mirror control is still on the arm-rest, unlike the new Forrester.

Oh, and no belt for the cams, it's now a chain drive.

However, a lot is being said about the coming Mazda CX-5, the pundits seem to think it's something special.......